Chocolate Ginger Martini with Cayenne-spiked Chocolate Rim

Sometimes we just deserve a little something special. At least, that’s my motivation and it works for me. When I saw this decadent chocolate martini on Food and Style… I thought I found the holy grail of martinis. Chocolate. A bit of zesty ginger. Cayenne. What a great and unique combination of flavors. Make it for your next cocktail party and your guests won’t soon forget it. Or make it as a special drink for Father’s Day. The richness of the chocolate with a spicy rim will make Dad smile.

Step 1: Melt chocolate in a double boiler over gently simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth. Add cayenne and stir until well incorporated. Pour chocolate on a flat surface (the back of a plate or baking tray works well) and spread into an 8″ circle, about a 1/8″ thick. Let chocolate cool for 5 minutes, so that it is warm, but not hot. Press the rim of martini glass into the warm chocolate. Place glass in the freezer until set, about 10 minutes.

Cook’s note: When pressing the glass into the warm chocolate, tip and rotate the rim so as not to create a suction-cup effect. This recipe makes enough melted chocolate for two dozen chocolate-rimmed glasses. The glasses can be prepared and kept in the freezer of refrigerator up to 12 hours ahead.

Step 2: Shake vodka, liqueurs and bitters with large ice cubes until shaker is frosted, and strain into the chocolate-rimmed chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with twist of lemon and serve immediately.

Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Learn More.